Villager sept 2016 by Rosetta Publishing

SEPTEMBER 2016

THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE PARISHES OF MILTON ERNEST, PAVENHAM & THURLEIGH

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2 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

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VIEW FROM THE PULPIT

Olympic opportunities! by SUE IVES

S I write this article, the 2016 Olympic Games are in full swing in Rio de Janeiro! There’s always something to watch – highlights from yesterday in the morning, then, as the day unfolds, other events come on stream and keep us entertained until bedtime or the early hours, depending on our stamina! So far, my favourite event has been the Rugby Sevens, both women’s and men’s, closely followed by diving and swimming. I’m less keen on athletics, but I imagine I’ll watch some of it, though what I find particularly interesting is that we get to see quite a few unusual sports which rarely get any airtime on TV, like archery, judo or water polo! I will really miss the Olympics once they have finished, and then it’s another four years to wait! Of course, what we don’t see is the hours of training, the gruelling schedules, the blood, sweat, tears and pain of being a committed sportsperson. In addition, there’s the toll it takes on family, particularly parents who are also hugely important – driving their progeny to practice sessions and events, offering unwavering support and encourage-

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ment, as well as sharing in the emotional pressure of success... or not. Sport can be so cruel, particularly in the Olympics, where it’s a once in four years (if you are lucky) opportunity which can so be easily undone by a fall off your bike in the road-race or a missed hand-hold on the pommel horse. All that effort for four (or more) years, making sure that you are good enough to be selected, being present at the games and at the peak of your performance, only to have hopes dashed in a fraction of a second and possibly never get the chance to compete again. It takes a very particular type of person to be an athlete – in whatever discipline. So much depends on mental attitude and strength of character as well as physical skill – you really have to care about winning or succeeding more than anything else in the world, be able to pick yourself up when things go wrong and return to the endless cycle of eating, sleeping, training and hoping. Thank goodness life is not like the Olympics. Life happens all the time, not just once every four years and there is always the possibility of starting again, of righting a wrong, of making things happen. OK, I know it’s not always that easy or that quick, but we need to consider taking the opportunities when they arise. There is also a constant, unchanging offer from God – available 24/7, 52 weeks a year – not just 2 in 208 like the Olympics! He is always alert and can be called upon in any and all situations. Perhaps we haven’t been in touch lately... or at all... maybe now is the time to take advantage of this offer. And it might surprise us to know that God delights in people and is always pleased to hear from us!

We welcome editorial contributions, both written and pictorial, if the contribution relates to a particular village please send your material via email to the appropriate village editor, the subject line of all emails should contain the word ’villager’: MILTON ERNEST: Mrs Sarah Winter, 21 Arkwright Road, Milton Ernest, Tel: 01234 826402 adrian_sarahwinter@btinternet.com PAVENHAM: Dr Chris Holt, Meadowcroft High Street, Pavenham MK43 7NP Tel: 01234 825479 chrisholt@fastmail.fm THURLEIGH: Adrienne Larkin, Breaside Cottage, High Street, Thurleigh MK44 2DB Tel: 01234 771078 adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com

PRiNTED By:

Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper House, Morton Way, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Material for general pages: martin.quince@btinternet.com Please, please put ‘villager’ in the subject line, if you do this you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. Any material submitted will be subject to editorial appraisal and any necessary changes will be made without referral to the author. We will endeavour to publish material in its entirety but reserve the absolute right to amend or omit any material we deem not factual, illegal or in bad taste!

SEPTEMBER 2016

THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE PARISHES OF MILTON ERNEST, PAVENHAM & THURLEIGH

This could be the sun shining over the beautiful north Bedfordshire countryside, how blessed we are to live in such a lovely area.

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 3

Bean bag Nativity workshop THIS year the annual Bike ‘n Hike celebrates its 25th year and once again it offers the opportunity to raise money both for our churches and for The Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust. Of every £1 that we raise in sponsorship, 50p is returned to our church to use as we choose. This makes the Bike ‘n Hike a very effective way to raise money for our respective churches. The organising is done for us; all we have to do is take part. The other half of the sponsor money goes to the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Historic Churches Trust and it is distributed, in the form of grants, to local communities struggling to raise funds for vital repairs to their church or chapel. Taking part involves being sponsored for either cycling or walking to visit other churches. We also need ‘welcomers’ between the hours of 10am- 6pm and they can be sponsored too. Last year the Bike ‘n Hike raised £106,994 for the churches and chapels of Beds and Herts. Our three churches in the benefice can benefit from this fundraising event if you help. So how about participating? Enjoy a pleasant day cycling or walking to churches in our area or welcoming visitors and at the same time boost our churches’ funds as well as those of the trust. Planning your route is easy with the lists of participating churches and chapels across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. You can use Just Giving to help raise sponsorship money, along with the usual printed forms. By encouraging gift aid you can further increase the funds available to the trust. Sponsorship forms and information will be available in our churches nearer the time or you can contact the church organisers for each church. Let’s make 2016 a really special anniversary year. Keep the date! 10th September Nick Cromey-Hawke Terry Horsman Richard Singleton

Milton Ernest Pavenham Thurleigh

4 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

01234 824337 01234 825711 01234 771952

IF YOU fancy a bit of Christmas crafting, come and join me to begin a Nativity set* of tiny bean bags! I designed and made these in February this year, having seen a set at a friend’s house. Unable to find anything similar online or in Christmas shops, I set about making my own and was delighted with the results. People have been asking about how to make them, so it would be my pleasure to show you! * Or bring your own project to work on and enjoy the company! The workshop will take place on SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER from 10am to 4pm at TUDOR ROSE PATCHWORK in OAKLEY and will cost £10. This will cover the hire of the room, patterns, filling and the fabric for your first character! Bring your own lunch, or put in an order on the day for something from the onsite coffee shop (great cakes!) This project is best done on a sewing machine...it could be

done by hand, but will take much longer to complete. It won’t be possible to finish all the characters in one day, but you will have the patterns to do the rest at home (hopefully in time for Christmas 2016)!! YOU WILL NEED: sewing machine (cables, foot and instructions!) basic sewing kit - needle, scissors, pins etc a selection of fabrics (ideally cotton) fabric scissors rotary cutter and ruler (if you have them) Bring your fabric stash (if you have one!) and don’t forget your reading glasses, if you need them! I look forward seeing you I’m sure we will have a jolly day! Places are plentiful, but limited... To book your space in the workshop, send me a text or give me a ring on 07973 920387, making sure you say who you are! I’ll send a confirmation text or call you back.

SUE IVES

www.mptchurches.org.uk

SERVICES All Saints’, Milton Ernest, St Peter’s, Pavenham and St Peter’s, Thurleigh 4th September Trinity 15

Milton Ernest ............. 9.30am..............Holy Communion Pavenham...................11.15am..............Holy Communion Thurleigh ...................11.15am..............Morning Worship

11th September Trinity 16

Milton Ernest ............. 9.30am..............Morning Worship Pavenham...................11.15am..............2gether & Pet Service Thurleigh ...................11.15am..............United Holy Communion

18th September Trinity 17

Milton Ernest ............. 9.30am..............Holy Communion Pavenham...................11.15am..............Holy Communion Thurleigh ...................11.15am..............United Holy Communion

25th September Trinity 18

Milton Ernest ............. 8.00am..............Holy Communion (BCP) Milton Ernest ............. 9.30am..............Morning Worship & Harvest Pavenham...................11.15am..............Morning Worship & Harvest Thurleigh ...................11.15am..............United Morning Worship & Harvest

2nd October Trinity 19

Milton Ernest ............. 9.30am..............Holy Communion Pavenham...................11.15am..............Holy Communion Thurleigh ...................11.15am..............Morning Worship

HC = Holy Communion BCP = Book of Common Prayer Children are welcome at all our services

VILLAGER CONTACT DIRECTORY VICAR

Rev’d Peter R Kay........................☎ 918027 The Vicarage, Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RF email: rev.peter.kay@outlook.com ASSOCIATE MINISTER Sue Ives............................☎ 07973 920387 BENEFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Mrs Sarah Croft .................... 07948 024312 email: parishbeneficeoffice@gmail.com

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BAPTIST MODERATOR, THURLEIGH & KEYSOE ROW: Revd Peter Protheroe, The Maples, Colmworth Road, Little Staughton MK44 2BY.. 378806

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CHURCHWARDENS All Saints’ Milton Ernest: Mrs Ann Maltby, Holly Tree Cottage, Flewton End, Milton Ernest, MK44 1RE.............. 826164 Mrs Jean Coplin, 27d Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH ............ 589618

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St Peter’s Pavenham: Mrs Rosemary Bliss, 43 The Bury, Pavenham. MK43 7PY..................................... 823821 Terry Horsman, The Knoll, High Street, Pavenham. MK43 7PD .................. 825711

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St Peter’s Thurleigh: Mr Richard Singleton, 13 Keysoe Road, Thurleigh ....................................... 771952

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www.mptchurches.org.uk

THURLEIGH BAPTIST DEACONS: Mr David Lloyd, 102 Poplar Avenue, Bedford MK41 8BP (Deacon and Treasurer)..... 262125 CHURCH KEY HOLDERS: All Saints’ Milton Ernest: Mrs Marianne Lowe, 12 Church Green, Milton Ernest ................................. 825543 or contact the Churchwardens St Peter’s Pavenham: contact the Churchwardens St Peter’s Thurleigh: contact the Churchwardens Mrs C. Blair, 2 The Close, Thurleigh... 771035 Thurleigh Baptist Chapel: Mrs Lilian Wildman, 8 Keysoe Road, Thurleigh MK44 2DY ...................... 772797

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SCHOOLS: Milton Ernest VC Lower School Head Teacher: Lisa Virnuls.......... 822079 Thurleigh Lower School and Thurleigh Pre-School Playgroup Head Teacher: Verity Kenyon ....... 771252 Pinchmill Lower School Head Teacher: Mrs Vanessa Coleman................... 781371 Pinchmill Pre-School Play Leader: Jemma Skinner.............................. 781770 YOUTH CLUBS:

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☎82881

Leaders: Mrs Vicky Parry....................

PARISH COUNCILS: Milton Ernest: Chairman: Mr Steve Dilley, 13 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1RY. ............. 824635 Parish Clerk: Sue Bottoms ............. 751300 sue.x999@btinternet.com Pavenham: Chairman: Mr John Stamford, 34 The Bury, Pavenham MK43 7PY.................... 823041 Parish Clerk: Dr P R Sharpe, East End Farm, Pavenham MK43 7PR.................... 823423 Thurleigh: Chairman: Mr Michael Thompson ... 771033 orchardhouse2000@aol.com Parish Clerk: Mrs Carol O’Brien, Red Lion House, 2 High Street, Thurleigh, MK44 2DB ............................................. 772385 ext 1 thurleighpc@gmail.com MILTON ERNEST WI Mrs Ann Kirk (President) The Beeches, Thurleigh Road MK40 1RF ............ 823711

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PAVENHAM WI Mrs Kathleen Bennett, 51 The Bury, Pavenham ............................... 824109 Mrs Jenny Evans, 52 The Bury, Pavenham, MK43 7PY. .................. 823620

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VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Milton Ernest: Mrs Helen Eyre, 14 Huntsman’s Way, Milton Ernest MK44 ISA......... 824508 Pavenham: Mrs Katie Sharpe .......... 824735 Thurleigh: Pat Edwards, Beech Tree House, 26A High Street, Thurleigh . 01234 772317

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THE VILLAGER MAGAZINE Subscriptions and Distribution: Mr and Mrs Gerry Stafford, Milton Ernest Mrs Kathleen Bennett, The Bury, Pavenham ...................................................... 824109 Fiona Parlett ,1 Chapelfields, Thurleigh ....................................... 771908 ADVERTISEMENTS/TREASURER: Mrs Jenny Evans, 52 The Bury, Pavenham .................................... 823620 email: david_jenny@btinternet.com EDITORS: Milton Ernest: Mrs Sarah Winter, 21 Arkwright Road, Milton Ernest .. 826402 email: adrian_sarahwinter@btinternet.com Pavenham: Dr Chris Holt, Meadowcroft High Street, Pavenham MK43 7NP 825479 email: chrisholt@fastmail.fm Thurleigh: Adrienne Larkin, Breaside Cottage, High Street, Thurleigh MK44 2DB 771078 Email: adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com Co-ordinating: Mr Martin Quince, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest MK44 1SH................ 823724 email: martin.quince@btinternet.com CONTACTS FOR VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS Milton Ernest Playing Field Association: Parish Clerk: Sue Bottoms ............. 751300 sue.x999@btintertnet.com Toddlers: Fiona .................... 07909 748354 Milton Ernest Ramblers Gerry Stafford ................................... 823060

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18.08.2016, all

☎. nos. listed are Bedford Code (01234)

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 5

FRIENDS OF ST PETER’S PAVENHAM

Village Kitchens

We are looking for a volunteer to audit our annual accounts

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if you would like to help us please contact either: Gary Duff-Smith on 01234 828788 or Derek Bliss on 01234 823821 THANK YOU

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NAO Cleaning 07411 136691 naoservices111@gmail.com

Hate housework? We love it! 07970 216034

6 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

Domestic, regular & spring cleans, tenancy beginning and end, builder’s cleans, commercial and contract. FREE ESTIMATES Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Rd, Clapham MK41 6AN www.naocleaningservices.co.uk www.mptchurches.org.uk

MILTON ERNEST NEWS Village correspondent: Mrs Sarah Winter — Tel: 826402

Beautiful bride Emma Lymer didn’t have far to go to get to the church for her wedding to Ross Maguire on August 6. She was able to walk to All Saints Church in Milton Ernest from her parents’ home opposite the Vicarage on the Thurleigh Road – a matter of only about 150 yards. The picture shows Emma, her father Mark, who gave her away, and the procession of bridesmaids as they passed well wishers en route. The service was conducted by the Rev Monica Robinson.

Lower school pupils receive ‘Dictionary 4 Life PUPILS from Milton Ernest Lower School already know big words like supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Just before they broke up they all got a brand new dictionary so that they’ll be able to learn even more. All 54 youngsters at the school at the end of last term were presented with a ‘Dictionary 4 Life’ by Michael Lennox, President of the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle whose members are backing a world-wide project. “You could see by their faces how excited they were to be given a new book,” said head teacher Lisa Virnuls. “We were very pleased to have been chosen. Children have to be good at grammar, spelling and language in general in spite of the fascination of social media. Our teachers will be expecting plenty of new words coming their way.” The pupils gave a recital on the history of language to parents, teachers and Rotarians who gathered at Milton Ernest Village Hall for the presentation. Then they took to the stage to let rip with the best known song from Mary Poppins – a certain Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. www.mptchurches.org.uk

Michael Lennox with, from left, Ava Crawley, Daniel Ross and Luke Muldowney.

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 7

STOP THIEF! In response to the theft of lead from the roof of All Saints’ in June the PCC have installed a Roof Alarm system. In the event of an attempted theft, the strobe/siren will be activated and a guard will be on site within minutes to check the perimeter of the building. The lead stolen in June will be replaced in the next few weeks at a cost of over £10,000.

8 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

www.mptchurches.org.uk

What’s On in Milton Ernest VILLAGE LUNCHES

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The next village lunches at The Queen’s Head

Friday 9th September & 14th October If you want to cancel or book phone Bev on 822412. Come and join us and catch up with people over a pleasant lunch.

BRIDGE

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The next sessions for beginners and improvers are

MILTON ERNEST WI Thursday 15th September at 7.30pm

John Howard The Obsessive Saint

Amanda Goody will talk about

WI SALE OF HOMEMADE PRODUCE AT COFFEE SHOP MILTON ERNEST VILLAGE HALL Please come and support us. Hope you will be able to join us. Any queries phone Ann Kirk 823711

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WILD LIFE FAMILY FUN DAY

MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE

A great day for all the family with Wild Life Trust, Birds of Prey, Beekeepers Hedgehog Rescue, Butterfly Conservation, Woodland Trust, Bouncy Castle, Wildlife Photographer, Creative Competitions, Face Painting and RSPB

All are welcome to join our relaxed

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Any queries please phone Ann Kirk

BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCING at Milton Ernest Village Hall on

Sundays at 11am – 12.30pm Call Christine on 07814 013622

The next coffee shop will be on

BOOK CLUB

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FRIDAY 30th SEPTEMBER at 9.30 - 11.15 am

Friday 30th September

Friday 2nd September and Friday 7th October in Milton Ernest Village Hall at 2.30pm sessions.

MORNING COFFEE

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Sunday 11th September

CAR BOOT SALE

Sunday 18th September

If you need any help to get to there let us know and we can arrange some assistance. For more details phone: Lynda on 823618 or Ann on 822773 We look forward to seeing you there

We are an informal discussion group that meets on the SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH at 7.45pm at The Queen’s Head Hotel. New members are always welcome.

8 September “In the Country of Men” by Hisham Matar

13 October

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“The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty.

MILTON ERNEST VILLAGE HALL

10 November

TEA ‘n’ CHAT The next Tea n Chat will be:

FRIDAY 16th September from 2.30 - 4.15pm

“Tulip Fever” By Deborah Moggach

8 December “Exposure” by Helen Dunmore

PILATES

For more information please ring Marion on 825825

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Come along for friendly company, a cuppa and a chat on the third Friday of each month throughout the year, all welcome, Tea, Cake and a Chat for only £2. If you need help with transport or more information phone: Gerry on 823060 or Chris on 823618.

823711

£5 per car

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Milton Ernest Village Hall

Tuesday mornings 10 – 11am All levels welcome Free first class, then pay as you go (£4) Call Nola 07793 056122 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NAO Catteries 07411 136691 naoservices111@gmail.com www.naocatteryservices.co.uk

• Fully Licensed & approved • Heated pens with individual outside runs • Mon-Fri 9-11 to 6-7 Sat 9-11 • Collection & Delivery service available

Bramble Lodge, 29 Oakley Rd, Clapham MK41 6AN www.mptchurches.org.uk

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 9

Have you just upgraded your PC to a New One? Upgraded the O/S to Windows 7? Do you need to transfer all your data and existing programs to work on Windows 7? We can do that for you very quickly and you will be able to use all your old programs from the old PC or system.

For all your computing problems, software or hardware. Ring or e-mail Graeme Ph: 01234 824 713 graeme@gcadsolutions.com For all your disc duplication needs, we Duplicate, Burn and Print in full &RORXU &'ÂśV '9'ÂśV DQG %OX5D\ÂśV

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PAINTER AND DECORATOR

Interior painter 15 years experience References available/lives locally

Tel: guy Wady 07960 043511 Free Quotations

The Coach House Felmersham Offering Luxury Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation CONTACT:

Wendy Mansell Corn Close, Church End Tel: 01234 782808 / 07899 872144 wendyamansell@hotmail.com www.thecoachhousefelmersham.com 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SEPTEMBER 2016 â&#x2013; Villager

www.mptchurches.org.uk

Crown Jewels!

WI REPORT

WITH the Royal theme for Milton Ernest Fete this year, the jewellery stall temporarily became Crown Jewels, on the Sandringham stall. Sincere thanks to all those, from across the Benefice, who generously responded to our ‘Hidden Treasure’ request in previous issues of this magazine. The wide variety of jewellery donated was greatly appreciated, enabling the stall to offer many bargains to villagers and visitors alike... a popular place to visit! £106.50 was raised, with some items left for a future occasion. Thank you all sincerely for your support, whether in donating items or in being a customer on the day. ––––––––––––––

BY VALERIE LINCOLN

Boiler changed

AFTER last year’s rain it was brilliant to see the sun shining at Milton Ernest Garden –––––––––––––– Centre’s Annual Companion Dog Show on Sunday the 17th July. The warm weather attracted over 80 dogs of lots of different breeds and ages. Novelty USED Postage Stamps are collected throughout the year in classes included Most Handsome Dog, Best Local support of CLIC Sargent, the children’s cancer charity. Thank Dog, and the popular Dog with the Waggiest Tail. you to all who have saved This year judging of the stamps... please do continue! novelty classes was carried out A steady stream appears either through the letterbox at 14 by ‘Friends of Canine Partners’ with Amber and Ellie from Arkwright Road (Pat/Peter Saunders) or in the small Milton Ernest Garden Centre postbox’ in All Saints’ church judging Prettiest Bitch and Best porch, which is greatly appreciRescue. ated. There have been collections The Pedigree classes were of stamps from Canada, together again popular with Puppy, with many of those more freYearling and Toy and Utility. quently used in the UK, and The day ended with the recently two large bags of stamps announcement of Best in Show collected by members of the with Lexi, a Cocker Spaniel Bedford Borough Bowling Club, winning in the Pedigree classes all of which are of great benefit and Woody, a large crossbreed to the charity for their fundraiswinning in the Novelty classes. ing. Please do share this stamp Spectators were treated to a request with anyone you know display by Canine Partners who may also be willing to pass showing the brilliant work on used stamps. they do training the dogs. Thank you all.

A NEW boiler has been installed in Milton Ernest Village Hall ready for the start of the new school term. A survey earlier in the year concluded that the old one would need to be replaced in the near future; so the committee took the decision to go ahead at the first opportunity. User groups have expressed approval. The old one had been in use for 22 years and was pretty noisy at times. Occasionally it would fail to fire. “It wasn’t quite on its last legs,” said treasurer David Purser. “But when an expert tells you that a gas appliance hasn’t got too long before it starts needing serious maintenance, you must take action.” The new boiler is a ‘Powrmatic’ which was supplied and installed by SDG a well known Bedford firm. It cost £6,300 (incl VAT) out of the pot which the committee has to put aside to replace essential equipment. Users should note it switches on and off in the same way as the old one.

ONCE more monthly meeting has rolled around and this time once more we have had an entertaining talk by Barbara Floyer on the subject of 78, Derngate. A house in Northampton who’s interior was designed by the famous architect Charles Rennie Macintosh. There was be no meeting in August as the W.I went off on a jolly jaunt to Jordans Mill with friends and family! But not before we have our annual charity lunch to raise funds for the Bedford Food Bank, so we are hoping for at least two a dry and not too warm days in the near future. Our next meeting will be in on September the 15th and is on the subject of John Howard the local prison reformer known rather intriguingly it would seem, as the obsessive saint!

Dog show attract large number of entries

Collecting stamps

RKStyles Painting Richard Styles

Bromham, Bedford

01234 823025 07899 814084 www.rkstylespainting.co.uk rkstylespainting@btinternet.com

● Qualiﬁed & experienced painters & decorators ● Interior & exterior ● Domestic homes ● Commercial properties ● New builds ● Extensions

There were agility and fastest recall activities to keep the dogs amused. The day was a success raising an amazing £825 for Canine Partners. Milton Ernest Garden Centre looks forward to welcoming all the Bedfordshire Doggies again next year.

“…Anoth e Everythin r great job. g you wa nt from tradesma a local trustwort n – reliable, efﬁcient, hy, tidy and an value for d excellent Thanks R money. Decorati ichard. smile as ang with a Homeown lways…” er, Bromh am

“Great value for money. Richard is reliable, quick and the cleanest workman we have ever had in our house. We wouldn’t consider even asking anyone else.” Mr & Mrs N

www.mptchurches.org.uk

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 11

GMS Pest Control For the Control of Environmental Health Pests and Integrated Management of: Wasps, Rats, Mice, Moles Rabbit, Squirrel, Mink, Birds Cockroaches, Fleas Bed Bugs, Flies and Ants

Mob: 07885 067561 Tel: 01234 391485 / 01908 904275 Email: steve@gmspestcontrol.co.uk www.gmspestcontrol.co.uk

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Same Day Service & FREE Estimates

PLUMBING & HEATING

FIXED PRICE BOILER SERVICE FOR £60

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Pav Pavenham R Pavenha Pavenh Pave Ru Rushwork

Care and Nursing requirements managed in your own home with qualiﬁed carers or registered nurses

Have a handmade garden hat. Put all your eggs in one basket and have another one for plants/bread/ kitchen utensils/ remotes etc. To buy/order tel: 01234 823021

“A little piece of history”

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FIREWOOD LOGS Seasoned Hardwood Delivered by the load

Tel: Bedford 721086 12 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

www.mptchurches.org.uk

PARISH COUNCIL REPORT by Sue Bottoms THE latest meeting of Milton Ernest Parish Council was held on Thursday 28th July 2016 at 8.00pm in the Village Hall. Present: Cllrs Dilley (Chairman), Sharman, Reddington, Winter, Williams, Borough Councillor McMurdo, the Clerk (Sue Bottoms), and three members of the public. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Snowball and Newman. The minutes of the meeting held on the 30th June 2016 were signed as a true record of the meeting. Following the public open session, the meeting reopened for: Planning: Applications Received: None. Applications Approved by Bedford Borough Council: 16/01322/FUL The Manor, Thurleigh Road, MK44 1RF. Single storey side extension. 16/01554/FUL 23 and 25 Huntsmans Way. MK44 1SA. Single storey front extension. 16/01254/FUL Land at Bedfordia Motors 39-41 Rushden Rd. Erection of new workshop building linked to car spray booth. To consider the proposed new developments around Milton Ernest: Cllr Dilley said that four new settlement options had been submitted to Bedford Borough Council (Twinwoods, Wyboston, Thurleigh Airfield and Lee Farm Sharnbrook) and all had been asked to provide further information. Cllr McMurdo agreed to speak to Gill Cowie of the Planning Policy Team at Bedford Borough Council to establish the process of reviewing the four sites and the potential impact on the original proposed housing allocations for the various Bedfordshire villages. The parish council would push to reduce any impact on Milton Ernest and especially Thurleigh Road. To consider the letter from Marcol dated 9th July and agree action: Cllr McMurdo to facilitate a second meeting with the parish council. Action: Cllr McMurdo. To consider the letter from St Modwen Developments and agree action: Cllr Dilley said that they were part owners of Thurleigh airfield referred to in 5c. above. Cllr McMurdo agreed to facilitate a meeting with the parish council. Village Welfare: To consider and agree action regarding the following: To receive an update re: Thurleigh Road. This had been covered under 4. It was noted that on the 4th/5th August, the road would be closed for running repairs. With regards the camera, Cllr McMurdo said that the

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camera had been used to cover the River Festival and he was waiting to hear when it would be installed in Thurleigh Road. To receive an update re: the proposed village path inspection. Cllr Reddington would contact Andrew Prigmore to establish any progress. New Village Welfare Issues: To consider the future provision of a website facility for the parish council: It was agreed that the Clerk and Cllrs Newman and Winter would give further consideration. Parking on Radwell Road close to the junction with the A6: Cllr Dilley agreed to speak to the owner of the black estate car. Long Grass bottom of River Lane: Cllr Winter said that there had been complaints that the visibility to the river was obscured. Cllr Dilley agreed to investigate Reports by Representatives:NDP Steering Group: Cllr Dilley reported that there had been one impromptu meeting to agree the employment of the new consultant. The next meeting would be on the 15th August when the Group would meet with the con-

sultant to agree the way ahead. Playing Field Committee: Cllr Williams reported that the next meeting of the Playing Fields Committee would be at 7.30pm ahead of the Parish Council Meeting on the 29th September. It was agreed to accept the suggestion by Cllr Shaman to buy the necessary bolts etc. from Wicksteed to enable the equipment to be repaired. The Clerk would place the order with Wicksteed and arrange delivery to Cllr Williams. Traffic Management Working Group: Cllr Dilley said that the next stage would be to formalise an action plan and once any decision had been reached by Bedford Borough Council regarding the four potential settlements, any impact on the village would need to be included in that plan. Review of Actions Summary from Last Meeting: these were reviewed. Gate in Huntsmans Way: Cllr Dilley reported that he had spoken to Ian Rudge at Bedfordia who reassured him that whilst he had taken a look he had forgotten

to mention it to his fencing contractor, which he would now do with a view to remedying the situation. Purchase of Land in Huntsmans Way: Cllr Dilley said that Mr Geoff Atkinson had now sent the paperwork back to the Crown Solicitors and it was now with the Land Registry in order to register the parish council as the new owners. Mr Atkinson was also seeking to sort out the issue of the triangle of land near the zebra crossing on the A6 which should be shown as owned by the parish council. It should soon be possible to apply for the release of the £7000 rural grant funding agreed by the Bedford Borough Council towards the project. Resignation of Cllr Sharman: This was noted with regret. Cllr Dilley thanked him on behalf of the parish council for all his hard work on behalf of Milton Ernest. The Clerk would contact Bedford Borough Council to start the process of finding a replacement. Date of the Next Meeting: Thursday 29th September 2016 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Whose house is this? WHILST having a very late Spring Clean this year, I came across a drawer full of old local newspapers. A copy of the Times & Citizen from June 1984 advertised this house for sale in Milton Ernest but I can’t fathom out where it is in the village. If you recognise it, please let me know .

SARAH WINTER (EDITOR)

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 13

DE-FORD LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

All garden, tree, fencing and patio work undertaken

■ Mowing, lawn care, turf prep/laying and seeding

■ Weeding and chemical spraying

■ Hedge, shrubs and tree maintenance

■ Gutter clearing and cleaning

■ Fences erected, repaired and painted

■ Patio work, decking, walls and BBQ building

■ Summer and winter hanging baskets and planting

■ Concrete base and shed erecting

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Also available at Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Carlton Stores and Scald End Farm Shop.

Tel: 01234 720406 14 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

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PAVENHAM NEWS Edited by Dr Chris Holt — Tel: 825479

SERVICE TIMES and ROTAS DATE

TIME

HYMN CHOOSERS

FLOWERS

September 4

11.15am

Mr P Daniel

Mrs Rosemary Bliss

September 11

11.15 am Pets’ Service

Sunday2gether

Mrs Helen Robinson

September 18

11.15 am

Mr and Mrs Byatt

Mrs Helen Robinson

September 25

11.15 am

Morning Worship

Harvest Festival

October 2

11.15 am

Mr and Mrs Bliss

Post Harvest Festival

PaveNham

JUMBLE SALE 1 October 2016

This will be another Jumble Sale in aid of St Peter’s Church.

PLEASE START SAVING JUMBLE NOW. More details in the September Villager.

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Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 15

Pots of Fun hand paints, custom ceramic gifts for all occasions. Hand and footprints a speciality. Mobile service available on request, covering North Beds. Ring Sue 01788 860043 or e-mail enquiries@potsoffun.co.uk www.potsoffun.co.uk

16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SEPTEMBER 2016 â&#x2013; Villager

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Two couples’ wedding day joy at St Peter’s

Mr and Mrs Anthony Hallett Photo courtesy of www.adamrowleycreative.com

Following the recent completion of the redecoration of St Peter’s Church, kindly funded by The Friends of St Peter’s, we were delighted that two couples chose the church as the venue for their weddings on August 6, 2016. Andy Wray (formerly at The Cock, Pavenham) married Laura Simmonds at 1pm and at 3pm Anthony Hallett married Katie Brown, formerly of The Bury. The sun shone and, as you can see, two very happy couples enjoyed their respective wedding services. We wish them every happiness.

Mr and Mrs Andrew Wray. Photo courtesy of www.charles-white-photography.com

Celebrating the lives of our illustrious servicemen Private John Hall, died 7th August 1916 JOHN HALL is one of 11 men named on the First World War section of Pavenham War Memorial. He lived at 23 Long Row with his wife and five children and enlisted before the start of the First World War. He was sent to France with the Bedfordshire Regiment and died in the Battle of High Wood. His body was never recovered. At the service at St Peter’s on Sunday July 31st we were joined by John Hall’s daughter-in-law Amy (formerly of Long Row) and by two of his granddaughters, Jean Salter and Enid Warne. All three of them were married in Pavenham Church. A tribute to John was read out and later the two granddaughters laid a wreath of hand-crafted poppies at the memorial. We are commemorating each Pavenham man on the Sunday nearest to the centenary of his death. The next few dates are for Arthur Lawson-Johnson, 22nd February 1917; William Huckle, 26th March 1917 and William Church, 4th April 1917. If you are a family member or know family members who might wish to know about the forthcoming commemorations please can you let me know so that they can if they wish, be involved in the planning. Thank you, Debby Horsman 825711

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Enid Warne (right) and Jean Salter.

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 17

The Cock in Pavenham – an update IT HAS been a busy few months for the Working Group and there have been a number of material developments since the article on the future of The Cock was published in July’s issue of The Villager. The commercial valuation and building survey have been completed, the Plunkett Foundation has confirmed that we will receive a grant to cover feasibility costs and the FCA has registered Pavenham Community Pub Ltd as a Community Benefit Society. In addition, a village meeting was held on July 27th and over 90 people attended to hear more about the community’s plans to buy The Cock and run it as a community enterprise. After the meeting, the community was asked to pledge financial support for the project. To date, pledges of financial support have been received in excess of £250,000 and many have also offered knowledge, skills and practical support. The level of financial support was sufficient for the Working Group to make an initial offer for the pub, which was at the top end of the commercial valuation range. The pub’s owners, Mr & Mrs Cortese, refused our offer and indicated a target price materially above the amount offered. The Working Group will meet with the owners next week to see if a fair and reasonable compromise can be reached. If this is possible, the village will be consulted before any further offer is made.

Andy Wray, the former tenant, left the pub on August 12th, the owners granted John and Linda O’Grady a new tenancy and the pub was re-opened on August 16th. It is great news that the pub will remain open and the Working Group will share ideas and cooperate openly with John and Linda to help them make the pub as successful as possible. In the meantime, the Working Group will continue to

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R. BETTS TEL: 01234 822861 or 07912 282384 7 CLOSE ROAD PAVENHAM MK43 7PP 18 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

negotiate with the current owners on the purchase of the pub. Many thanks to all those who have supported the project thus far. If you would like to see how this story develops, follow us on the Pavenham Pub Group via facebook, future editions of The Villager or look out for updates on the Pavenham village notice boards.

STEVE RICE – WORKING GROUP CHAIR

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Local History Evening THERE will be a local history evening at the Village Hall on Saturday, 26th November at 7.30pm. Peter Daniel and Murray Dilks will describe Pavenham at the time of the 1881 census, a period of agricultural depression, and discuss the sale of the Bury Estate in 1910 and its profound implications for the village. Once again you are invited to bring along photographs, maps and documents relating to Pavenham’s history. Tickets (£5) for the evening may be purchased from either Peter Daniel (823346) or Jane Roff (822434). ––––––––––––––

Welcome WE are delighted to welcome the following newcomers to Pavenham: Keith and Carol Balsom who have moved into 4 The Bury. Matthew and Rachel Baker, Edward and Isabel who have moved into 54a The Bury. Richard and Andrea Roberts who have moved into 2 Sonning Cottages. Mrs Tury Bateman who has moved into 71 River View. We hope they will all feel very much at home here. ––––––––––––––

PAVENHAM W.I. WE had our usual garden party for our August meeting. We were blessed with a lovely sunny day but decided to have our afternoon tea inside as it was very windy. We enjoyed a delicious tea made by members of the committee. We did not have a speaker and there was very little business to address as we had not received the mailing from W.I. House.

ROSEMARY BLISS ––––––––––––––

FELLOWSHIP CLUB AUGUST 11th was our strawberry tea at Pavenham golf club. There were 31 of us, starting with trays of sandwiches, cakes and finishing with strawberries and cream, washed down with as much coffee and tea as you could drink. We have to thank Zack and his staff for a great afternoon, also Bernie for arranging it all. We finished the afternoon with a raffle. We look forward to seeing you all on September 8th.

CAROLE BATES. www.mptchurches.org.uk

PAVENHAM VILLAGE HALL

QualiTy veNue WiTh exCelleNT faCiliTies

 Main hall, committee room, servery/bar and well equipped kitchen  Hall capacity 120 seated, 180 standing  Very reasonable rates Enquiries or for more information:

Katie sharpe on 01234 824 735 or www.pavenhamvillage.co.uk/hall.html

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 19

Tuesday Morning Walk and Coffee Group AFTER enjoying delightful summer walks along the footpaths of Pavenham we wanted to share this lovely photo of the Walk and Coffee group by the seasonal fields of The Leys. Every Tuesday morning we meet at The Cock pub car park at 9.15am for a walk that changes each week depending on the weather and abilities of the walkers. Of course dogs are welcome, and very much become part of the party, they always walk on lead unless absolutely safe to allow off for a run. The routes offer a choice for all, shorter ones avoid styles and makes good use of the well maintained gates that link our footpaths, whilst longer routes step out for those wanting a little more exercise. It has been one year since we started ‘walking out’ and we are amazed that although we track similar paths each week the changing seasons offer a different picture for us to enjoy. Naturally, chat and good conversations happen on the way

20 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

and we welcome anyone who might like to join us to just turn up and give it a try. We have until now finished our walk with a coffee and pastries back at The Cock and would like to thank Andy for his hospitability to open up and accommodate us. Over the summer weeks’ coffee has been kindly hosted by some of our walkers who live central in the village where a small donation for refreshments has been gifted to St Peter’s Church to support repair work to the roof. Last week we shared a sincere thank you note which had been received from Brenda Wesley, St Peter’s Hon Treasurer, sending her gratitude for the generous donations. As the village welcomes Linda and John O’Grady to The Cock we are hopeful to be able to return to the pub for our coffee and cake. So if walking isn’t for you, you are very welcome to join us afterwards for coffee and chat. Please feel free to contact either of us for an update on where that will be.

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PAVENHAM WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP JULY

AUGUST

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

It’s a Don’s Life by Mary Beard

WE travelled with Rachel as she took the train journey to ‘work’ each day, saw what she saw but did not immediately understand why she wanted to sit in the same seat each day. We learnt that she was divorced, an alcoholic, who had been sacked from her job but kept up the pretence of ‘going to work’ each day. She lived with a friend who took her in out of the goodness of her heart. Her ex-husband Tom lived with his new wife and their young daughter in her old home, which she passed on the train each day. When the train stopped at its usual signal she could see her old home and the house a few doors down where ‘the perfect couple’ lived. Rachel wove a story around this couple who she thought lived the life she would have liked to live. This was far from the case and as the journey through the book unfolded we found we were on a roller coaster ride through misconceptions, extreme emotions, intense jealousy and desire – and crime. We did not particularly like any of the characters and questioned some of the plot. Some of us were sure that we knew how the book would end, felt rather smug that we had solved the mystery, but the twist at the end was worth waiting for. Having said that, we queried several points about the reality of what happened and it led to an excellent discussion. This book would make a good holiday read, was interesting enough to hold our attention throughout and was pleasing. We enjoyed the trip as we meandered through the pages and will never feel the same again about looking through windows as we pass houses on the train – a fleeting glimpse into the lives of strangers.

WE did not know what to expect when we decided to read ‘It’s a Don’s Life’ by Mary Beard, a lecturer in Classics at Cambridge University. Even though her television programmes are fascinating and amusing at times we wondered if this book would be rather ‘high brow’ and not easy to read. How wrong we were. From April 2006 to December 2008 she wrote a blog and this book is a series of articles taken from her blog, including comments from its readers. The blog posts included the use of Latin by David Beckham, book reviews on Amazon, the number of academics it takes to buy a coffee maker and New Year resolutions. It gave us an insight into the world of a classics don and the difficulty of academic life and is a very personal view of academic life. The book is very funny, tongue in cheek at times, full of references to Pompeii, and easy to read; it also shows how fearless Mary Beard is and how little she bows to the establishment. Each blog stands on its own and is very short, making the book a little difficult to get into but easy to read in short bursts. One drawback is the layout of the book that does not give each page a number, in some instances failing to number several consecutive pages, so making a book group discussion difficult at times. Another slightly irritating point is that she repeats herself at times, using the same subject matter in more than one blog. This is overall a very enjoyable book, full of references that lead to a good discussion. We might even read another book by Mary Beard watch this space!

Friends Jazz in the Garden ON July 3 we held another Jazz in the Garden event at Bartlemas Farm. 125 people enjoyed a lovely sunny afternoon relaxing to the quality music of Richard Leach’s Jazz & Swing Band from Worcestershire, and feasting on Cream Teas or drinks from the Bar. The music was a mixture of traditional jazz and popular music from the 20s to the 60s. For me the rampaging Royal Garden Blues was the top item. Steam Train Rides were also provided for adults and children. In total we made a profit of £1136.80 for Friends Funds. We are very grateful to Thomas and Amanda Beazley for hosting the event in their lovely garden. On 26 November we shall be holding another of our Jazz Nights in the Village Hall, with the superb Bateman Brothers Band from the SW. Please note this dates in your diaries. You will not want to miss this band!

DEREK BLISS

VIVIEN HOLT

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Call Jenny Evans on 07952 068723 or email: David_Jenny@BTInternet.com www.mptchurches.org.uk

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 21

PINCHMILL PRE-SCHOOL FELMERSHAM Welcomes children aged 2–5

‘The quality and standards of the care are outstanding.’

OFSTED, July 2010

Opening times: 9.00am – 3.15pm Half-day and full-day sessions available

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For further information contact pre-school leader Jemma Skinner: 01234 781770

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Further footpath maintenance in St Peter’s churchyard AS MANY of you will know, a footpath runs from Church Lane through St. Peter’s churchyard & out onto the top of The Bury. The path surface was not in good condition , so over the past year we’ve sought advice & help as to how best to make the whole footpath safer. As described before, that part of the footpath which runs on the tarmac drive is in a poor condition as the surface is breaking up; we have a specific ‘Drive Fund’, & hope to be able to afford to re-surface this stretch in 2017. The section of path running across the grass is regularly maintained by ‘the churchyard maintenance gang’ (many thanks to Hugh Josty, Alister Kinnon, David Evans), & the next section up to the exit from the churchyard was improved last year with the support of the Council. Coming from the Bury end, the path through the kissing gate and onwards, this area needed re-gravelling, and this was tackled earlier this month, as the pictures show. We are very grateful to the Pavenham Charitable Trust for funding the purchase of the gravel, & to the ‘the churchyard maintenance gang’ (many thanks to Hugh Josty, Alister Kinnon, David Evans, Roger Whilding & Peter Daniel). I hope that all regular users of the path will agree that what we now have is a considerable improvement!

TERRY HORSMAN, CHURCH WARDEN

01234 240954 07976 260572 22 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

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THURLEIGH NEWS Edited by Adrienne Larkin — Tel: 771078 email: adriennelarkin_2@hotmail.com

Celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday THURLEIGH Village Hall Committee celebrated Her Majesty, The Queen’s, 90th birthday by hosting an afternoon tea in true traditional style in Thurleigh Village Hall on Sunday June 26th 2016. The hall was festooned with union jack bunting and bunting designed by the children of the local school. Thurleigh folk, who had been invited to make their own party hat, sat at long, decorated tables laden with three-tiered platters full of delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes from Scald End Farm. Special guests included Thurleigh residents who had also reached 90 years of age, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Nick Kier, and the Reverend Peter Kay. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment, The Brocklehurst Academy of Dance gave a fantastic dance tribute, members of the Church choir sang God Save the Queen and Happy Birthday and there was a raffle and prizes presented for the best hat. As a finale, guests congregated outside to witness the planting of a beautiful commemorative ‘Happy Birthday’ rose by Nick Kier, all ending in three cheers and birthday wishes to Her Majesty. We would like to give our sincere thankyou to our generous sponsors: St Modwen Developments Ltd, Thurleigh Parish Council, Paragon Automotive Ltd, C. Jackson & Sons (Bedford) Ltd, Elliott Contractors Ltd, Patrick Mullen, Waitrose Community Matters and Milton Ernest

Garden Centre for enabling us to offer this event, free, to Thurleigh Residents. As you can see from the photos, courtesy of our excellent official photographer, Nigel Blackham, and some of the comments received, it was a fantastic and memorable occasion, enjoyed by all. “Congratulations on a superb tea party on Saturday. What a difference you are

making to the Village Hall. It must have been a great deal of work and a tremendous effort of planning. The word will spread.” “Just wanted to say a massive ‘thank you’ and ‘well done’ to those who organised the Queen’s Birthday Tea Party today. It was a lovely event and fantastic to get so many local residents together” “Thank you so much for inviting me to join you all for the Queen’s Afternoon Tea, it was an absolutely delightful occasion. The village hall looked stunning and the afternoon tea was amazing with such attention to detail. You should be extremely proud of all you achieved in planning and delivering such a memorable event today” “The afternoon was a real treat and the effort that everybody put in was both obvious and a guarantee of the success of the event. It was wonderful to see the village coming together to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in such style. Well done!” Deputy Lord Lieutenant Nick Kier.

THURLEIGH LADIES CLUB The meetings are held at the Village Hall on the third Tuesday of the month at 10.30am The next meeting is on 20th September We welcome new members and visitors Further details from Linda on 771952 Or Judith on 772385 ext 3

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Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 23

Walking group’s August day out OUR second consecutive walk with absolutely perfect weather. Eleven of us met at the Greyhound in Haynes, chose our meals and set off in warm sunshine with a slight breeze. Getting the road out of the way first, we soon turned off on to well marked paths taking us over fields of ripening crops. Stopping at one point to watch a farmer harvesting, seeing the cereal being cut, passing through his machinery and coming out the other end as perfectly formed bales was fascinating. Joining the Greensand Ridge we climbed up to pass Eco Holiday Homes and pausing for a while to investigate Clophill Church and it’s recent restoration work. Leaving the GSR we continued climbing through the welcome shade of Chicksands Wood with another stop to look at an obelisk dedicated to George Montagu-Dunk 2nd Earl of Halifax. We left the wood at Appley Corner with a short distance along the road before one last footpath up hill to our destination. This path brought us to a gap in the hedge taking us directly into the pub garden causing exclamations of pleasant surprise from all as many thought they still had further to walk. All in all 6.4 miles of one of our prettiest walks.

LIZ SOAFT.

New class opening in Thurleigh “PILATES, originally known as ‘Contrology’, was the brainchild of German born Joseph Pilates, an extraordinary man who was driven for over 60 years with his pioneering work to help people become healthy. Joseph himself suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever and it was his determination to overcome his own health issues that led him to develop an exercise program to restore him to optimal health. Whilst a prisoner of war in WW1 he continued to develop his exercises and started to rehabilitate his fellow injured comrades. Joseph then went onto establish a studio in New York and began training the New York City Ballet, his Pilates exercise program became very popular with all dancers, gymnasts and athletes. Pilates today is now very popular with the general public of all ages and level of fitness. The slow controlled flowing movements primarily strengthen the ‘core’ muscles that stabilise and support the spine, realign the body and correct postural problems. Pilates brings the mind and body together, focusing strongly on

strength, flexibility, concentration, balance, precision and breathing. Pilates is often recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths, to help with weight loss and injury rehabilitation. I am registered with Reps and qualified to teach all levels of Mat Pilates, Pre & Postnatal Pilates, Orthopedic Pilates (joint and bone problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis etc) Small Equipment Pilates ( uch as small soft ball, resistant bands, magic circle) and Sports Specific Pilates.

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Mobile: 07850 557525 24 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

My classes are usually of mixed ability with varying fitness levels, no prior experience is necessary. I supply mats so water is all that’s needed, but please feel free to bring your own mats. Please wear comfortable clothing that’s not to loose preferably with no zips around the back area, bare feet is essential, though there is an extensive range of grip socks available online now which you can buy as an alternative. My New Pilates Class will start on Wednesday September 7th at Thurleigh Village Hall, the first week will be £6.50, thereafter it is a block booking of four consecutive weeks at a cost of £26. So I am able to keep the class running each week there will be no refunds or carry over of payments for missed weeks, with exception for absences of two or more weeks caused from accidents, serious injuries or illness. I tend to run classes through term time only, but if requested and there is enough attendance I often carry on through the school holidays. Booking for class is essential as there is a limit to numbers. My contact details are: Emma Crow: 07810 653550 or 01234 378967 Email - emfit01@gmail.com

ANNUAL SHOW Sharnbrook Village Hall – Saturday 3rd September 2016

Although it is organised by Sharnbrook Gardening Club, all may enter their garden produce, art, wine, baking, preserves, and handicrafts. THE CLASSES FOR JAM THIS YEAR WILL BE: Blackcurrant, Plum, Marmalade, and Jelly made with any fruit. THE PHOTOGRAPHIC CLASSES WILL BE: Close-up, Action, Seed Heads, Wild Life, Sky, and any subject in Vintage Style (monochrome or sepia). The easiest way to receive full details of the Annual Show and other events is to join the SGC. The subscription is free for the first year then £4 (£5 for a family). Please give your contact details to the: membership secretary, mark lammin e-mail sharnbrookgc@outlook.com or phone 782118

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Monday Afternoon Coffee, Tea and Cakes THE MEETING PLACE St Peter’s Church, Thurleigh 2.30-4.30pm Meeting Place takes place in St Peter’ Church, Thurleigh every other Monday. Set up in December 2014 it has always been our aim to bring together our community and to provide a venue and refreshments for anyone who would like to meet old friends, new friends or simply to ‘get out of the house’! Judging by the numbers now coming along, Meeting Place has become a great success. Some people stay all afternoon whilst others just pop in after school for a piece of cake. Craft activities and a range of toys and play equipment are very popular with the children. Do come along and you can be sure of a very warm welcome in our newly refurbished bistro area. Anyone who would like to become more involved by occasionally helping with teas and coffee, supporting the children’s activities or making a cake please talk to Lindsay, Lulu or Wendy.

OUR NEXT DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 12/09/16 19/09/16 26/09/16

Tea & Antiques in aid of Breast Cancer Care Come and have tea and browse in our showroom All donations from cake sales and 10% of showroom sales will go to Breast Cancer Care Friday 23rd September 10am-12.30pm www.williamsantiques.co.uk 1 Hampshire Buildings, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedford. MK44 2JZ

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01234 378866

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 25

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BEDFORDSHIRE Community Archives Project is looking for history enthusiasts who’d like to volunteer their time for an exciting project researching the history of our county. The Community Archive is an online resource providing introductions to the history of local towns and villages. The thousands of pages added since the project launched nine years ago include descriptions of the local archaeology and landscape; as well as short histories of churches, pubs, schools and buildings. There is still a long way to go before every community in Bedfordshire is represented online, and you can help. Volunteers are invited to use their time and skills to support the Bedfordshire Community Archives Project in documenting the history of Bedfordshire by researching and writing one or more webpages for the project. In return for your time you get the chance to learn archival research skills with professional support and guidance; as well as access to a range of primary and secondary sources. No previous experience is necessary. Full training and support will be provided; and volunteers are welcome to participate on their own or in a group. You can contribute as much or as little as you’d like; write one page or write fifty, it’s up to you! If you are interested in helping please some along to a meeting at Bedfordshire Archives (Riverside Building, Borough Hall) on Thursday 22nd September at either 10am or 2pm to find out more. For more information or to confirm your place please call 01234 228 833 or email archive@bedford.gov.uk.

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26 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

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A guide to supplying photographs AS THE Editor I’ve had comments that I haven’t always used supplied photographs. I have a limited amount of space available and will make a judgement as to the value of any picture supplied. The following words are my own views. The Villager is essentially a journal of record, so we publish reports of events that have happened or notices that something is going to happen. In either case the words may be accompanied by a photograph. What is the point of the photograph? There’s an old saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Your photographs are there to support the words and as such need to be informative. When I receive a photographic file, what am I looking for? Well besides the actual technical aspects of the photograph, more of which later? There will generally be people or animals in the photograph. They need to be recognis-

able, so pictures of the backs of people do not give the reader any relevant information. If the photo is of the walking group then why not pose them helping each other across a style? Help them make it look like they are having fun! If it’s a picture of a fete, garden party, flower show or whatever, a few people in a big field do not give the impression of a successful event, (unless of course you are trying to tell the viewer that it wasn’t!). As the photographer you are recording the event and such you should get closer, ask the people to look at the camera, if it’s a group, get them tight together. Don’t be afraid to get them to pose, you will need to be firm as people generally don’t want to get close. Fill the frame, get closer – are the readers really interested in the vast expanse of the field? No they want to see who was there, they want to be able to recognise those people. If you are supplying a photograph for the front page, then I have different criteria. I’m looking for a ‘pretty picture’ but it needs to be eye catching. Technical: the file size needs to be sufficient to enable good reproduction. For a

‘news’ photo then a file size of three megabytes should be considered the minimum. For the front page anything bigger than 10MB will do the job. Also bare in mind I will crop the picture to get it tight on the page. The photograph needs to be in correctly exposed and in focus. I hesitate to say that photographs taken on your phone won’t be good enough, as some phones now have good image capturing capabilities. If you are using a ‘proper’ camera then you should be able you set it to aperture priority, which allows you to focus on the subject and throw the background out of focus. Please refer to users’ manual. Using flash and shooting indoors: I’ve lost count of the number of photos I’ve received of indoor presentations where the subjects are standing directly under a light source, the tops of their heads appear white. Also avoid wall lights in your frame as they appear as big white flairs. Have a good look at competing light sources, get your subjects to move or turn the lights off, don’t let them spoil your image. I hope this has made some sense and will help you get some good photographs for your magazine. – MARTIN QUINCE

Mind BLMK – wellbeing for later life (55+) Our aim is to work with local communities to promote and sustain good mental health and wellbeing amongst older people. We will do this by: • Linking with local older people who will lead the service • Building local networks and peer support options • Training and supporting local leaders to promote better mental health • Working directly with people affected by social isolation and mental health needs. How will we do this One to one work • Peer mentoring to achieve specific goals. Group Work • Accessing existing group and community activities. • Developing peer support groups • Personal Development and Wellbeing Training. Information • Making sure older people have access to information Or why not get involved – You Can Help Be part of the Project Steering Group – We are forming a Steering Group that will meet for 1.5 hours every other month to assist with guiding the project Mentor (volunteer) Become part of our mentoring team and offer one to one support to help older people to achieve their goals. There are also lots of other volunteering opportunities within this project, please contact us at: E-mail: wfll@mind-blmk.org.uk t: 07876 825350

www.mptchurches.org.uk

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 27

Sharnbrook Animal & Pet Feeds

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Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, doors Quality work Tel: Nick at competitive Mob: 079360 98644 28 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

www.mptchurches.org.uk

WEATHER REPORT BY RICHARD LEDGER

It’s all come good in the end I

T SEEMs a long time ago now, but overall June was a bit poor and lacking in sunshine. In all there were 19 days over 20°C and 13 over 21°C (including 5-11). I’ve had 14 cooler Junes by day since 1980 but only three since 1999, that general warming trend again. Days this June averaged 19.9°C, 0.3°C below the 35 year average, but nights at 11.6°C were my highest ever in June and 1.5°C above normal. This reflects the cloudy nature of the month (cloud acts as a blanket at night helping to keep temperatures up). There were some really humid days and nights when it felt warmer that it actually was. Rainfall in June totaled 77.5mm, about 150% of normal. So it was wet, we had rain on 19 days, but by no means a record here. I’ve had 11 wetter Junes and five Junes had over 100mm, with 1998 having 140mm. Now that was really wet. As for July, well it began very dry, with just 2mm of rain here (to 11th). Days averaged (up to 11th) 21.5°C with 8-11 all over 22°C, normal for the whole month is just under 23°C, while nights at 13.6°C (up to 11th) are 1.5°C above normal. Every night from 7-11th stayed above 14°C, while 17°C on 10th was particularly mild. All these nights were a good deal warmer that the daytime highs on June 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It turned cooler (12-15 all under 21°C) and 12th was unsettled, cool and showery (19°C and 7.7mm of rain). The heat wave then began 16-24th averaged 27.3°C by day, with seven days over 25°C and two over 30°C. 33°C on 19th was the peak. Only four July days have been hotter since 1980 and 10 days in all. My five all time hottest days are: 36.4°C August 3, 1990 36.4°C August 4, 2003 36.0°C July 19, 2006 25.4°C August 9, 2003 35.0°C July 1, 2015

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It was a very warm nine days, nights averaged 15°C and the soil temperature was over 19°C from 20-25th. Mind you, to put the temperature into perspective, the whole of July 2006 averaged 28°C by day (5°C above normal) while days in December 2015 averaged 13°C (6°C above normal).

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Overall July 2016 averaged 23.1°C by day, almost exactly normal and 13.1°C by night, 1°C above normal, with some being not good for sleeping. The month was on course to being very dry, when out of nowhere a deluge occurred on the evening of 28th. From 7.30pm-9pm we had nearly one inch of rain. Roads here were awash and parts of the town centre were flooded. So we had 2/3 of the month’s total rainfall in just 90 minutes. The total 37.8mm for the month was just 25mm below normal and since 1999 only July 2005 and 2010 have been drier. August began with 9mm of rain in the evening of 1st overnight to 2nd, but has since been total dry (to 10th), averaging almost 23°C by day with decent spells of sunshine and well over 12°C by night, despite an early hint of autumn, early on 9th (8°C in the air and 3.5°C on the grass). Four days over 23°C have been very pleasant. Heat is promised soon around mid month. A couple of people have talked to me about this dreadful summer. Well, so far, up to August 10th, it has been very close to normal in terms of day time average temperatures, about 1°C warmer than normal by night and rainfall at 124mm (June 1st¬¬–August 10th) is again almost exactly normal. There have been 15 days over 24°C and 41 over 21°C, out of a total of 70. So not too bad? Posh won at Rochdale, thanks to their goalkeeper’s generosity in the 89th minute..

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Summer Bedding • Winter Pansies Hanging Baskets • Compost Terracotta • Oak Barrels Trade enquiries welcome

Garden Plants Banks of Bolnhurst Kimbolton Road, Bolnhurst MK44 2ES

Tel: 01234 376256

NEW OPENING HOURS Open: Wednesday to Saturday 8am–5pm only

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 29

SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

This month is lawn time

HE lawn is usually the largest area in our garden. It sets off the patio and the plants in the borders enhancing our outdoor space. It is often the domain and pride and joy of the “Man of the House” who will regularly spend time each week “Mowing the Lawn”. This together with spending more time outdoors, the children playing football and pets scampering around all takes its toll on the finely bladed plants we call Grass. September is exactly the right time to repair and restore the Lawn or to plant a new Sward.

As the days shorten the rate at which the grass grows slows down considerably so the first thing to do is to reduce the mowing frequency to once a fortnight until late October and then stop altogether until next spring. Also raise the cutting height of your mower blades to avoid any scalping at this late stage in the growing season. If the lawn is weedy water with Verdone a selective weed killer which will kill broad leaf weeds but

not monocotyledons like grass. If there are bad infestations of buttercup, clover or other close creeping weeds it may be necessary to do two

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30 — SEPTEMBER 2016 ■ Villager

treatments. If moss is the problem this can be successfully treated when feeding the turf. Use Westland’s Autumn All in One Aftercut which contains Ferrous Sulphate and turns the moss black making it easy to rake out of the turf seven to ten days later. The autumn lawn feed contains low levels of Nitrogen but high levels of Phosphorus for strong root growth and Potassium for thickening and strengthening the grass to withstand low winter temperatures and protect against disease. Do not mow the grass for three days before and three days after applying Aftercut and then water the lawn thoroughly. Lawn sand can also be used to kill moss in the lawn. Raking or scarifying a lawn removes the thatch at the base of the grass which tends to promote moss and other fungus disease to grow in the grass. There are three other common lawn problems Redthread, Fusarium Wilt and Fairy Rings. The first two can easily be treated by watering the lawn with Bayer Lawn Disease Fungicide but Fairy Rings are proving a challenge since the EU decided to ban another useful garden chemical. So now we have tidied things we are probably left with bare patches to over seed. Westlands Patch Pack makes this job very easy. It is a mixture of grass seed and fine seeding soil. The seeds are coated to give rapid germination and establishment. Problem dog spots can also be treated by using Miracle Dog Spot Repair again a mixture of Seed, Gypsum and Coir which help to neutralise the effects of animal

urine. The lawn should now be in much better condition when its starts to grow next spring. There are two options when planting a new lawn either to sow seed or lay turf which to choose is probably down to cost. The ground preparation is exactly the same for both. Spend time, maybe the entire summer continually removing any weeds to get the area as clean as possible. Then dig over or rotovate the soil and leave for any weed regrowth. Spraying the area with a non residual, translocate weedkiller like glyphosate is the most effective way of removing the weeds. When ready to seed or turf rake the area to a fine tilth. Apply a general fertilizer like blood, fish and bone or autumn lawn feed as a base dressing. If using seed the ideal time to sow is early September when the early morning dew will help the seed to germinate. Scatter the seed evenly and lightly rake to cover with soil. Germination takes approximately sevento 14 days so water two or three times if there is no rain. There are many good grass seed mixes now available for shady places, hard wearing play areas fine decorative lawns or for rapid establishment so ask for advice when at the garden centre. Turf should also be laid early in September on ground prepared in the same way as for seeding. Always buy professionally grown weed free turf, more expensive but by far the better investment. Lay the turf alternately like brickwork with opposite joints. Butt the turves tightly together to avoid shrinkage and separation. Water the turf every couple of days for two weeks until the roots have started to grow. Do not cut the new grass until it has grown to at least 8cms.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE –––––––––––––

CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 18th September £5 per car –––––––––––––

WILD LIFE FAMILY FUN DAY A great day for all the family with Wild Life Trust, Birds of Prey, Beekeepers Hedgehog Rescue, Butterfly Conservation, Woodland Trust, Bouncy Castle, Wildlife Photographer, Creative Competitions, Face Painting and RSPB

Sunday 11th September

www.mptchurches.org.uk

Alice Gainsford

INDEPENDENT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST BSc(Hons), MRCSLT, MASLTIP, HCPCReg.

Speech and Language Therapy for children age 2+ Articulation and Phonology difficulties – Verbal Dyspraxia Language Delay – Language Disorder – Attention and Listening Difficulties For more information call Alice on 07813 070481 alicegainsford@hotmail.co.uk

Martin Blizard Electrical Services

● Rewires ● Domestic ● Testing and landlord certificates ● Commercial ● Additions and alterations ● Agricultural Guaranteed, fully insured workmanship, with 20 year’s experience

01234 782527 07967 177605 Felmersham

G.A.HENMAN & SONS LTD

MOT TESTING SERVICING REPAIRS To all types of vehicles 95 High Street, Clapham, Beds MK41 6AQ

Telephone 01234 353389/271489 www.mptchurches.org.uk

Villager ■ SEPTEMBER 2016 — 31